New South Wales councils are set to benefit from $14.6 million in grants which will be used to maintain and upgrade Crown land reserves and community facilities.
The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF) is expected to fund more than 140 community projects to support the cultural, sporting and recreational life of New South Wales communities.
These upgrades will improve community facilities, including sporting clubs, recreation areas, walking tracks, cycleways, public halls, museums, childcare centres, swimming pools, showgrounds, cultural institutions, camp sites and racecourses.
The 2023-24 grants, from Crown Lands in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), will support projects in the Sydney region, from the Northern Beaches in the east to the Blue Mountains in the west and north to the Hawkesbury.
Crown reserves support communities by providing land for recreation, such as parks, ovals and walking tracks. They provide land for organisations and facilities such as public halls, showgrounds, campgrounds, racecourses, surf lifesaving clubs, PCYC clubs, and Scouts and Girl Guide groups.
Reserves support tourism and local jobs, businesses and economies through activities such as hiking, camping, fishing and wildlife watching. They also protect sensitive areas of environment for native plants and animals, and areas of cultural and heritage significance to local and Aboriginal communities.
New South Wales Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper, said that the CRIF will provide grants to Crown land managers right across the state to maintain and improve public reserves for the benefit of hundreds of local communities and many thousands of residents.
“This year more than $14 million in grants will support 144 projects to maintain and upgrade reserves and community facilities, enhancing the cultural, sporting and recreational life of New South Wales residents,” Minister Kamper said.
“Maintaining and enhancing our Crown reserves is vital for community health and well-being to allow residents to enjoy quality open spaces, access community and recreation facilities, and immerse themselves in nature.”
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